Questions about Slovak airspace defence after 2019

The Defence Ministry is analysing ways of securing the post-2019 defence of Slovak airspace, since the agreement on Russian Mig-29 fighter jets will expire in 2019.The question arises because the first batch of new F-16 replacements is slated to be supplied to Slovakia in 2023. Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš named two possible solutions: either extend the agreement on Russian Mig-29 fighter jets or have another NATO member state defend Slovak airspace. "I'll draft a report for the Government and Slovak Security Council on the options as to how to secure defence in 2019-23," claimed Gajdoš on Sunday, adding that both options were the subject of an analysis, each with its own set of pros and cons. The Opposition MP from the We're Family party Milan Krajniak stated that if the two options had the same price tag, he would opt for the Russian fighter jets. He also pointed out that a single US F-16 jet costs the same as three new district hospitals, yet he has failed to hear a clear explanation as to why Slovakia needs 14 of the jets.